The Bermuda Railway... Neat little railroad with unique equipment.

[JCitron]

Thanks for sharing the DEMS John, very kind of you.

It's been years since I used TransDEM (not even loaded on this PC), could you please tell me how I get the textures to show in Trainz ? They appear to be 'there' but are only visible from a zoomed out position.

Cheers

Chris

Hi Chris,

You need to load in the TransDEM Textures. They are part of the package so check your TransDEM directory for the .cdp file. The image, by the way, is pretty awful. I'm considering the UTM tile approach and see if that works, although that will be a new thing for me to try.

Got my version up and running this morning, laying the first section of track at St Georges. A climb of @2.4% straight up the hill then almost immediately the same back down again the other side. This was one switchback route! Currently going with the notion of "Sprinterisation" - 150's, 156's and for the off peak a single 153. I think a Class 40 and Mark Ones might have been imported to the island for railtours, though!

Vern,

This would make sense for a modern dieselized route. Some old slam-door carriages would be great for the tourist trains. People seem to love those.

On another note, I received a nice email back from Simon today. It turns out he's a TSMAC2 user although hasn't done much with the program!

He is going to send me some better detailed track maps, although not as detailed as we'd like, but at least this is a start. I will post these up on my OneDrive for anyone that wants them.

John

 

[JCitron]

Another update:

Simon has sent me some track diagrams of parts of the route. These are in the Bermuda Archives. I have uploaded these to my OneDrive for those that are interested.

Many thanks go to him again.

John

 

[itareus]

Thanks very much John.

Chris

 

[Vern]

Excellent John, track diagrams just what we need. I will probably leave in place what I've done already and work on scenery until you manage to get them uploaded.

Bermuda routes - like London buses, you wait ten years for one then three or four come along together!

 

[Roy3b3]

Hey John,
This is a good thread. I'd be interested in those Bermuda track plans too - I've been focussing on the scenic side first before laying any tracks, by using Google Earth and other maps. It's actually looking like a place I'd like to visit. I found the TransDEM image was good at altitude, but it disappeared when I got down to 'edit' range. John, have you got a link where I can download the track plans, please.
Cheers,
Roy3b3

 

[Vern]

Just found them on John's original link, P1 of this thread. Nice...

 

[jordon412]

It's actually looking like a place I'd like to visit.

As long as you don't get lost in the Bermuda Triangle.

 

[JCitron]

Hey John,
This is a good thread. I'd be interested in those Bermuda track plans too - I've been focussing on the scenic side first before laying any tracks, by using Google Earth and other maps. It's actually looking like a place I'd like to visit. I found the TransDEM image was good at altitude, but it disappeared when I got down to 'edit' range. John, have you got a link where I can download the track plans, please.
Cheers,
Roy3b3

Hi Roy3b3,

You need the TransDEM textures for the textures to display on the surface if you don't have these, the image won't show up on the terrain. My image is unfortunately very low resolution with houses showing up as white blobs when on the ground. I have, however, been able to lay the tracks using Bing and Google as guides as well as tipping and raising the camera up in Surveyor. If I can get something better I will definitely upload it, but it is what it is at the moment.

I too would like to visit Bermuda, especially this time of year. Today we finally rose above -7C for the first time since mid-January!

What's been interesting is how us as rail fans can guess sometimes how tracks once ran through an area. In and around St. Georges, the tracks ran down to the ferry wharf. I had a hunch they crossed the road, which runs back to Wellington, and did a bit of switching into the passenger station above with a spur leading down to the port. Sure enough! Simon's recent sketch, which I uploaded today shows this in a fairly good detail. I was pretty close in my estimate of where the tracks once ran. I also have a feeling there was some kind of turning wye there as wells as a service area. I may put one in anyway because I can as it makes the operation a bit more interesting.

Which brings me up to another issue. If the route were built as a modern system, I doubt there would be any street running in Hamilton, at least for passenger service since residents are less forgiving of "noisy" trains running down their streets as they once were decades ago. In this case the trains would terminate just on the edge of the city, or perhaps at a terminal near where the soccer fields are located today in Hamilton. There would then be some kind of local tram or bus service running within the city which would connect to the trains on the outskirts. For us, this would be a lot easier to build than trying to fathom out the street running route within Hamilton since much of that area has changed over the past 67 years.

@Vern,

It's funny how that happens!

John

 

[Vern]

Well I quite like the idea of a Class 156 running down the street, Weymouth Quay style. Or the other option is to do as at Wexford in Ireland where the railway runs between the quay and the street, with trains proceeding at a very slow speed (no more than 10 MPH). There are other sections on the route where the right of way is now a roadway. For those I'm thinking along the lines of the Manx Electric Railway as it climbs out of Douglas where you have the road, rail line, pavement (sidewalk) then the house fronts. Modern health and safety would have kittens at the thought of it, but hey this is sim-world and we can let our imaginations run riot.

The thing I like about this route too, is it's relatively easy to divide into workable sections. For now, I've laid track to just past Coney Island and now working on the scenery back to St Georges.

 

[Roy3b3]

Hey guys, With all this interest flying back and forward, I've done a bit of research and have located an historical image of a "Timetable" for the Bermuda Railway. I've put it up on my website together with a map of the islands showing the various 'stops'. Un fortunately the map does not identify the name of the stops. But if you compare the timetable with a Google street map, it is pretty easy to determine where they might be. Here's the link ... http://royburnell.com/id30.html

http://imageshack.com/a/img910/5634/kl7pUC.gif
http://imageshack.com/a/img913/905/AqsJlN.jpg

I've given some thought as to whether I use NG or standard track. However I found the 'SNCF Auto Rail' or the 'SNCF x2800' (both railmotors) look very similar to the ones they used on the island. These railmotors have steps down from the doors just like the old photos I've seen. So it looks like I'm going for S_rail_leto rails with dock rails around the wharves. I noticed that the Bermuda Railway Museum is situated just where an old bridge crossed near Gibbet Island, (Aquarium Stop) so it's possible they could have had a workshop or sidings nearby. This project is starting to take over my life.
Cheers, Roy3b3

 

[JCitron]

Thank you, Roy for setting up the website and the pictures.

I wondered too if there were some sidings as well at the Aquarium stop as there's a lot of extra space for them. The "official" Bermuda Tourism website has this link here which is extremely helpful regarding the station names, but not necessarily the locations. I agree a bit of zeroing in with Google Earth will be helpful.

http://www.bermuda-online.org/railway.htm

That's an interesting thought on using the SNCF x2800s. I'll have to check those out. I too have been toying between narrow gauge and standard gauge, with more leaning to standard gauge. I could see using some modern Sprinters for every day use with some of the older x2800s as stand-ins for some heritage trains.

I restarted my route, again. I found some errors in my first track layout that are much easier to correct at this stage by starting over than trying to fix later.

John

 

[Roy3b3]

Thanks John for the 'extra' links - it's only when you take one small area and really look at it in detail do you uncover fragments of information, that teaches a little more about their culture, how they lived and worked. Just thinking about the limestone quarries and why they used limestone shingles on the roof of their homes. They don't have any dams to store fresh water, so they rely on rainfall (fortunately it's heavy),... the limestone acts as a filter and the water seeps through to basement tanks. They used their natural resources, which they had plenty of. It made me wonder whether they used the railway to transport limestone to various parts of Bermuda as well, or whether they relied on horse and cart. It was interesting to see the size of limestone blocks they worked with - some 12 feet square which was cut by hand with a large saw.

From the images you supplied, I noticed that they also used motor-rail parcel vans - The only ones I could see on our available assets were the "AEC Railcar" and the "GWR AEC Railcar",... so these may just have to do. In Australia, when they were using passenger railmotors, a parcel van carriage was attached,... now they use fast electric parcel vans so that they can operate independently.

I'll most probably include passing loops at some (not all) stations or stops, which will allow me to run several consists and a parcel van at the same time. I'm thinking of using invisible signalling to keep everything under control and 'hidden' portals in train workshops or sidings to launch new consists when I want to. I don't recall seeing any signalling on any of the photos, so I guess they just followed the timetable.
You've probably guessed I'm a bit of a 'History-freak', but it's the research that helps form the overall picture in my mind of what I'm aiming at.
Cheers, Roy3b3

 

[Vern]

Have made some progess on my version (not posting screenies yet!) with about 3 miles of track from St Georges laid and scenery applied, with another three mile section of track only waiting scenery. (I prefer this approach to route building these days). Some compromises are inevitable to get a working route up and running in a reasonable time working with the available assets. In particular the old "NZ" houses are reasonable stand-ins for the local architecture as are the "house-w-lo" etc. types as these have a foundation which fits well with the undulating terrain. Also no apologies for using the venerable Dave Drake housing units in the background, with some terrain levelling to accommodate, as these also have a bit of a colonial look.

Trees - I couldn't find out too much about indigenous species other than junipers and palms so have used generic Speedtrees with some assistance from JVC and Ultra to give best overall impression.

As regards signalling, well I prefer something visible so given the UK heritage of the islands will either use semaphores or BR colour lights as in theory I'm in the modern day.

Up to now thoroughly enjoying myself working on this project which, as I mentioned, laid on my dormant list far too long!

 

[Vern]

While discussing signalling etc. one other item I'm pondering is what the overall speed limit for the line was? The wealth of information uncovered doesn't give much clue other than the "average" speed of an all stations train wasn't much more than 12 MPH, taking nearly two hours (according to the public timetable) from Somerset to St Georges.

As a ballpark figure, I'm probably going to run with 40 MPH on the few straight bits, 25 MPH on the coastal section or where there is severe curvature and 15 MPH over trestles and street running.

 

[JCitron]

While discussing signalling etc. one other item I'm pondering is what the overall speed limit for the line was? The wealth of information uncovered doesn't give much clue other than the "average" speed of an all stations train wasn't much more than 12 MPH, taking nearly two hours (according to the public timetable) from Somerset to St Georges.

As a ballpark figure, I'm probably going to run with 40 MPH on the few straight bits, 25 MPH on the coastal section or where there is severe curvature and 15 MPH over trestles and street running.

This does make sense, however, will the trains ever be able to get up to their running speed for any portion of the line? There were so many stops that these trains ran more like a tram than an actual commuter train. This may explain the low average speed since the trains spent more time slowing down instead of accelerating.

I made a tiny bit of progress, not much more than I had before. As usual as soon as I get involved in a good project, I get interrupted so much I never get anything done!

John

 

[Vern]

Agree - the average distance between stations is less than a mile so 25 MPH would probably be good! I was thinking more of maybe empty moves or excursions not calling at all stations, but in any event that stage is a fair way off.

I didn't seem to get much done today and my work shift pattern the next few days is not that conducive to route building, so it will probably be the end of next week before I get much more done. You get days like that, unfortunately!

 

[Roy3b3]

Hey guys, I agree with the speed limit generally around 25 - 30 mph which is adequate. Although I'm focussing on the original track layout, I'm going to use the old "author's licence" and incorporate a little piece of extra track in convenient places, to include two industries that were once very big in Bermuda. One was the quarrying of limestone (they built houses all over the islands with it) and the other was, the logging of cedar for boat-building. It wouldn't be too difficult to integrate these between the passenger services from St George's to Hamilton and Hamilton to Somerset. Although limestone was generally distributed in blocks for house building, a considerable amount would be crushed and used for the cement factory. In addition, a short run from the cedar forest to a mill, then transport the lumber to boat-builders on the dock at St Georges. Because a number of the 'stations or stops' had passing loops, this will fit in very nicely. I've found this project to be quite time consuming, but, I'm really enjoying it.

By the way, John,... I also downloaded the "Cities Skyline" program and it's very challenging. You can see just how difficult it is to be a politician. Having to create a strategy, then make all those decisions before bankruptcy, makes me glad I'm now retired and I can play Trainz every day. Cheers.
Roy3b3

 

[JCitron]

Hey guys, I agree with the speed limit generally around 25 - 30 mph which is adequate. Although I'm focussing on the original track layout, I'm going to use the old "author's licence" and incorporate a little piece of extra track in convenient places, to include two industries that were once very big in Bermuda. One was the quarrying of limestone (they built houses all over the islands with it) and the other was, the logging of cedar for boat-building. It wouldn't be too difficult to integrate these between the passenger services from St George's to Hamilton and Hamilton to Somerset. Although limestone was generally distributed in blocks for house building, a considerable amount would be crushed and used for the cement factory. In addition, a short run from the cedar forest to a mill, then transport the lumber to boat-builders on the dock at St Georges. Because a number of the 'stations or stops' had passing loops, this will fit in very nicely. I've found this project to be quite time consuming, but, I'm really enjoying it.

By the way, John,... I also downloaded the "Cities Skyline" program and it's very challenging. You can see just how difficult it is to be a politician. Having to create a strategy, then make all those decisions before bankruptcy, makes me glad I'm now retired and I can play Trainz every day. Cheers.
Roy3b3

Being a mayor is tough! I don't like that job either, but I seem to be doing quite well. My second city is now 80,000 population and I just put in an airport. Having fun with it while I ponder over the frustrations I had laying track on the Bermuda route.

That said... I was looking at the industries as well, funny you mentioned this. There is also an oil terminal out near St. Georges. There was even a train station there. Perhaps an oil industry could be setup and a short oil train could be setup to feed the power plant located down near Hamilton. I would think the healthy and safety folks would faint at the thought of street running oil tanks through downtown Hamilton to reach the south side and out to Somerset! Small geared hydraulic shunters pulling the small tanks would be perfect for this.

Also using the artistic license, I was looking the airport. This too could use some freight as well, air fuel, diesel, even mail and passengers could be transported from there. Even though I've been concentrating on getting the tracks laid properly from St. Georges to Hamilton, I explored this yesterday as well. Right now my track is finally in place right down to Front Street. I had to fake the downtown tracks because there is no trace at all of where they used to be, unlike the other parts of the island. So now with my tracks in place, I can start smoothing the grade properly and fitting in the bridges the right way on this north side.

What I like about this project is the size. It's not one of those 100-plus mile routes which I have started as well. This is a lot of little railroad in a tiny place, a different place to boot which will makes it all the more interesting to work on.

John

 

[Roy3b3]

You've got some good ideas there John. I'm doing a bit of faking too. I like the size of this route too, it's compact, but just large enough to be able to incorporate a number of industries without overdoing it.
I'm really a long way off from completing this route. I spent a whole week just laying out St Georges alone, but then I'll need to re-level various track areas as I go, to accommodate what I've actually got planned. I haven't touched the airport yet, Hamilton or Somerset at all, but have laid all the tracks and bridges throughout.

Bermudians were also very partial to cricket, .. Google Earth shows there are heaps of cricket pitches scattered all over the islands,.. So I'll have to put in a few that can be seen from the tracks.

I've got to say that as frustrating as Cities Skyline can be, ... it's still an addictive game even though it encroaches on my Trainz time.
Roy3b3

 

[Roy3b3]

Have made some progess on my version (not posting screenies yet!) with about 3 miles of track from St Georges laid and scenery applied, with another three mile section of track only waiting scenery. (I prefer this approach to route building these days). Some compromises are inevitable to get a working route up and running in a reasonable time working with the available assets. In particular the old "NZ" houses are reasonable stand-ins for the local architecture as are the "house-w-lo" etc. types as these have a foundation which fits well with the undulating terrain. Also no apologies for using the venerable Dave Drake housing units in the background, with some terrain levelling to accommodate, as these also have a bit of a colonial look.

Trees - I couldn't find out too much about indigenous species other than junipers and palms so have used generic Speedtrees with some assistance from JVC and Ultra to give best overall impression.

As regards signalling, well I prefer something visible so given the UK heritage of the islands will either use semaphores or BR colour lights as in theory I'm in the modern day.

Up to now thoroughly enjoying myself working on this project which, as I mentioned, laid on my dormant list far too long!

Hi Vern,
I'm also starting out from St George's mainly because it has some great scenery from the hilltops, looking out across the bay towards the airport with scattered sandy inlets with lots of ships moored. I've been communicating with Simon Horn from the Bermuda Railway Museum and asking him about passing loops and sidings.

This is what he said,..."Middle Road yard was just before the line turned south. It was single track with about six passing loops in each division (east and west of Hamilton). A few stations, such as Oil Docks, Ord Road and Evans Bay had extra siding for specific purposes (usually just one). There were more tracks at the termini at east end. Definitely no turntables, and no wyes as far as I know."

All the loco equipment (motor-rail) were built to drive from each end, so they didn't need a wye or turntable. But there were a number of passing loops at various stations or stops.

I also asked him about housing on the islands and he replied, ... "The railway did transport heavy freight when needed, but I have never heard specifically about quarry stone. The government quarries were near Tucker’s Town, east of Harrington Sound, where the railway never reached. There were also quarries in Warwick. I assume most stone would have been transported by road or water as it always had. Bermuda is all limestone rock, and I think many houses would have been built out of very local stone. Somewhere I read a somewhat tongue-in-cheek description of Bermuda house building which said, essentially, first you dig out the cellar in the rock and then you use that rock to build the walls."

A huge majority of houses in Bermuda are white, so I've spent a number of hours listing and downloading all the white and concrete houses on the DLS - but I'll mix it up and include some multi colours as well.

Now this is interesting, one quarry was very close to "Cobbs Hill" station in Quarry Hill Road. Limestone was also necessary for making cement; and it just so happens that the 'Cement Works' was right between "Bermudiana Hotel" station (Richmond Road) and "Serpentine Road" station. So I'm going to place an industry siding there to run two limestone hoppers between the quarry and the cement works. We don't have to stick to 'history' - we can create our own.

While I was working on the St George's landscape, Google Earth highlighted a large fuel depot with approximately 15 large fuel or oil tanks slightly west of Ferry Road (West India Oil Dock). They ran from one side of the island to the other (towards the airport). Now if you follow Ferry Road and along Mullet Bay Road to Stokes Point Road, you can see the remains of a railway bridge linking St George's to the Airport. There are a number of shipbuilders at that point too. I'm thinking it wouldn't be too hard to also run a couple of fuel tankers from the Fuel Depot to the airport, which wouldn't interfere with the passenger service from St George's.

Overall, Bermuda lends itself to enormous possibilities with Trainz - People also get around via Ferry,.. so I thought I may include a 'ferry service' along the coastline as well. I'm sure it would certainly look good from the air too, so a helicopter may be added when I complete the layout.

This layout has certainly created a lot of interest for me and it's great to be able to share ideas on this thread.
Cheers, Roy3b3